Records
Rich
in the tradition and history of Maryland, the Office of the Circuit Court
is one of the oldest public institutions in the State. The Clerk
of Court is a locally elected State official with responsibilities established
and regulated by the laws of Maryland and Rules of the Court of Appeals
of Maryland. Since 1658, the Office of the Clerk of Court has provided
the citizens of Maryland with a variety of essential services. The revenue
collected by the clerks for these services is distributed to city, county,
and state governments.
The following is a partial list
of the types of cases filed and processed by the Office of the Clerk of
the Circuit Court:
Civil - (410) 535-1600 ext. 2268
or 2404 or (888) 535-0113
- With certain exceptions, matters which involve a claim for damages in excess of $30,000 are filed with the Circuit Court. In general, concurrent jurisdiction is shared with the District Court in matters which involve a claim for an amount between $5,000 and $30,000.
- Judicial Review of Administrative Agency
Decisions
- Appeals from the District Court
- Matters which involve domestic relations,
child support, titles to property, foreclosures, mechanics liens and injunctions
- Adoption and Paternity Matters
- Guardianships
- Name changes
Criminal - (410) 535-1600 ext. 2266
or (888) 535-0113
- Felony and certain misdemeanor charges
filed by the Grand Jury or the State's Attorney
- Appeals from the District Court and
requests for jury trials
Juvenile - (410) 535-1600 ext. 2237
or (888) 535-0113
- Juvenile cases may include any matter
brought before the Court which involve persons under the age of eighteen
years.
Liens and Judgments
Liens and judgments including encumbrances,
Federal tax liens, hospital liens, Maryland tax liens, District Court liens,
civil judgments, and United States District Court judgments are recorded
in the Office of the Clerk.
Juries
- Citizens are selected randomly for service
on grand and petit juries in the manner prescribed by the Court of Appeals.
Jury trials are available only in the Circuit Courts of Maryland.
The following is a partial list of
documents recorded with the Clerk for permanent retention:
LAND RECORDS - (410) 535-1600
ext. 2269 or 2264 or (888) 535-0113
- Deeds
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust
- Leases
- Releases of Mortgages and Deeds of Trust
- Land Contracts
Plat Records
- Subdivision
- Condominium
- Highway
Miscellaneous Records
- Financing Statements
- Military Discharges
Miscellaneous Services
- Marriage
Licenses
- Civil Marriages
- Business Licenses
- Public Official Commissions - The Oaths
of Office for elected and appointed local officials, as well as officials
appointed by the Governor for certain boards and commissions, are administered
by the Clerk.
- Notary Public
Commissions - An application for a notary public commission can be
obtained by contacting the Clerk. Upon approval of this application, notary
public commissions are issued by the Clerk.
The records maintained by the Office
of the Clerk of Court are available to the public for review. However,
the records of juvenile or adoption cases can be accessed only through
an order of the Court.
Please note that the Office of the
Clerk is prohibited by Law from rendering any legal advice. |
